I’m sure you’ve heard people talk about the full moon. Some fear it. Others howl at it. And you’ve probably also heard of the term “the lunar effect”. It’s the parallels between specific phases of the 29.5-day lunar cycle with the physiological changes in living beings here on Earth... especially humans.

Most people associate of the lunar effect with a full moon. After all, the word “lunacy” came from the Latin word luna meaning moon, which also carries, shall we say, an intense and chaotic interpretation.
​So what is a full moon… and more importantly, what does this mean for you?

Let’s start with the basics: A full moon occurs when the ecliptic longitudes of Earth and Sun are exactly 180 degrees apart, completely illuminated in the sky. We could talk about the tidal effects from a combination of the gravitational pulls of both the sun and moon causing tidal affects in large bodies of water on a daily basis, but let’s get to the good stuff…what does this mean for you?

​Well, given that the human body is made up of about 75% water, it is not that surprising that our bodies are sensitive to the tidal affects on earth. Ancient philosophers were of the believe that the gravitational pull of our body’s fluids impacts us physically and psychologically, creating an atmosphere of greater intensity of thoughts and emotions… both good and bad. And that effects can last up to a few days before to a few days after the actual full moon itself.

With the heightened sensitivity that comes with a full moon comes a heightened intuition. However, this is not a favorable time for making big decisions. Rather, your attention best directed toward cumulative efforts. Meaning, you are more likely to have a reckoning or epiphany of the big picture in a particular area of you life of how to bring the magic to reality… or what I like to refer to as an aha moment. This is why it is important to pay attention to your dreams, as well as those that I refer to as God whispers with clues and insights for moving forward with more clarity and confidence.

And with this heightened sensitivity comes heightened creativity (fertility of ideas) for both beautification to problem solving. You may find yourself more focused on your home… beautifying your home…. the security of your home.
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It’s also a time for letting go and releasing that which no longer serves you such as an addiction, drama, an unfulfilling career, hurtful relationships, and negative self-talk. The full moon magnifies these so we may (re)prioritize change in these areas. Again, take note of those God whispers for direction and guidance. And be patient with yourself because releasing a bad habit or bad relationship can be a process... not just an event.

Full Moon Rituals

Okay, before I share some of my personal rituals for a full moon, I want to remind everyone that the physical act alone of a ritual does not change your energetic climate. Rather, it’s your intentions and thoughts while praying or lighting a candle that helps heighten your awareness and avails your to the positive energy available to you during this moon phase.

​You can practice one or all of the following rituals…. or you can create your own. Again, it’s the thought (the intention) that counts!

Smudging

Smudging is the ritual of purifying a room with the smoke of sacred herbs (typically sage) to help rid the negative energy from a space or room. It seems even modern science acknowledges that the the burning of sage releases negative ions correlating to an enhanced or more positive mood. All that said, I still believe that the most potent action in smudging is the setting and focusing of your intentions. Did I mention that it’s the thoughts and intentions that count?​

Cleaning Crystals

As with a new moon, a full moon is a great reminder for clearing crystals for ridding residual negative energy.
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​It's important to know how to clean your crystals. Not all crystals are meant to be cleansed in (salt) water, for example. Generally speaking, those with more of a grit or chalky type of surface should not be cleansed and cleared in water. I'll provide a future post with more details. For now, I recommend inquiring about how to clean your crystals at the time you purchase them.

White Candle -- Open-Eyed Meditation

The color white represents clarification, purification, and new beginnings. White candles are also used rituals involving prayer and devotion, thus, why you find them in churches and places of worship.
​In terms of both full moon and new moon rituals, my white candle ritual involves open-eyed meditation, allowing the flame to woo me into stillness. Within the stillness, I release any known and unknown blocks, clearing my mind of psychic debris to make space for receiving creative solution. And I remain still and LISTEN. For me, there is something about focusing on the dance of the flame of a white candle. Does the flame seem to split or flicker a certain way? Does its light cast a specific silhouette? Pay attention to those details… and enjoy the moment.

You may come up with your own Full Moon rituals. What’s most important is that they have personal significance for you.